Police in Maheshkhali, an island upazila in Cox’s Bazar, said they uncovered an alleged weapons-making workshop while investigating theft allegations in the Mitha Chhari area of Shaplapur union on Friday night. One person, Rahmat Ullah, was detained after local residents caught him and informed Maheshkhali police, according to the report.

Police said Rahmat Ullah was accused of stealing from shops and homes in different parts of Shaplapur union over a long period. During questioning, he allegedly told officers that stolen goods had been kept with Nomi Uddin, Moyna and Shabnur in Mitha Chhari. Police then launched an overnight operation in the area based on that information.

During the operation, officers found what they described as a large quantity of weapons-manufacturing materials at the home of a woman named Motahera. Items recovered from beneath a bed included gun stocks, triggers, barrel parts, springs, a drill machine, grinder and saw. Police said several people fled after noticing officers. An arms-law case has been filed, and operations to arrest other accused people are continuing.